Additional Surveying MCQs for APSC JE PWD 2025
Topic: Theodolite Surveying
31. What is the primary function of a theodolite?
Answer: B
A theodolite is used to measure horizontal and vertical angles with high precision, essential for triangulation and traverse surveys.
32. The process of aligning the theodolite over a station point is called:
Answer: A
Centering ensures the theodolite’s vertical axis is directly above the survey station, typically using a plumb bob or optical plummet.
33. What is the least count of a vernier theodolite?
Answer: A
The least count of a vernier theodolite is typically 20 seconds, allowing precise angle measurements for detailed surveys.
34. What is the purpose of the face-left and face-right observations in theodolite surveying?
Answer: B
Taking readings with the telescope in face-left and face-right positions averages out errors like collimation and index errors.
35. The method of repetition in theodolite surveying is used to:
Answer: B
The repetition method involves multiple measurements of the same angle, accumulating readings to reduce errors and improve accuracy.
36. What is a closed traverse in theodolite surveying?
Answer: B
A closed traverse forms a loop, returning to the starting point, allowing error checks by ensuring the sum of interior angles equals (n-2)×180°.
Topic: Tacheometric Surveying
37. Tacheometric surveying is primarily used to:
Answer: B
Tacheometry allows quick measurement of horizontal distances and elevation differences using a theodolite or tacheometer and stadia readings.
38. The multiplying constant in tacheometry is usually:
Answer: B
The multiplying constant (f/i) is typically 100 for most tacheometers, relating stadia intercept to horizontal distance.
39. In stadia tacheometry, the staff intercept is the:
Answer: B
The staff intercept is the difference between the upper and lower stadia readings on the levelling rod, used to compute distances.
40. What is the additive constant in tacheometric surveying?
Answer: B
The additive constant (f + d) accounts for the focal length of the lens (f) and the distance from the instrument’s center to the objective lens (d).
41. Tacheometric surveying is most suitable for:
Answer: B
Tacheometry is ideal for hilly terrains where direct chaining is difficult, as it measures distances and elevations indirectly.
Topic: Plane Table Surveying
42. The main advantage of plane table surveying is:
Answer: B
Plane table surveying allows immediate plotting of survey lines and features in the field, reducing office work and errors.
43. Which method of plane table surveying uses a compass for orientation?
Answer: C
Traversing in plane table surveying often uses a magnetic compass to orient the table at each station along a traverse.
44. The process of orienting the plane table so that lines on the paper are parallel to corresponding lines on the ground is called:
Answer: C
Orientation aligns the plane table with the ground features, typically using a compass or backsighting.
45. The two-point problem in plane table surveying is used to:
Answer: B
The two-point problem determines the position of the plane table station by sighting two known points, solving for orientation and location.
46. Which instrument is used to sight distant objects in plane table surveying?
Answer: A
The alidade, with its sighting vane, is used to draw rays toward objects, facilitating direct plotting on the plane table.
Topic: Curves
47. The angle between the tangents at the ends of a circular curve is called:
Answer: A
The deflection angle is the angle between the tangents at the curve’s start and end, equal to the central angle of the curve.
48. The radius of a curve is related to the degree of curve by:
Answer: A
For a curve defined by degree D (angle subtended by a 100-ft arc), the radius is R = 1718.9/D meters (or 5730/D feet).
49. A transition curve is used to:
Answer: B
Transition curves (e.g., spirals) provide a gradual change in curvature, improving safety and comfort on roads and railways.
50. The length of a simple circular curve is given by:
Answer: A
The arc length of a circular curve is L = πRθ/180, where R is the radius and θ is the deflection angle in degrees.
51. What is the purpose of superelevation in curves?
Answer: B
Superelevation tilts the road outward to balance centrifugal force, preventing vehicles from skidding on curves.
Topic: Modern Surveying Techniques
52. What does a Total Station measure?
Answer: A
A Total Station combines an EDM and theodolite to measure angles and distances, enabling precise 3D coordinate determination.
53. The Global Positioning System (GPS) in surveying is used to:
Answer: B
GPS uses satellite signals to determine accurate latitude, longitude, and elevation, ideal for geodetic and control surveys.
54. Which technology is used for creating digital terrain models?
Answer: B
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser pulses to create detailed digital terrain models, capturing precise topographic data.
55. The accuracy of a Total Station depends on:
Answer: B
A Total Station’s accuracy relies on proper calibration, precise setup, and correct operation, ensuring reliable angle and distance measurements.